What is a Personal Leave of Absence?

A Personal Leave of Absence (PLOA) allows you to step away from Elon temporarily while keeping your status as a continuing student. You can request a PLOA if you need to drop enrollment for an upcoming term or withdraw from all classes in the current term (before the published withdrawal deadline).

*If you plan to stay enrolled in any credits (including internship credits), do not apply for a PLOA. Instead, follow the Individual Course Withdrawal process.

A leave remains active for up to one year. After that, you’ll be administratively withdrawn and would need to apply for re-admission through the Office of Admissions.

What happens while you’re on a PLOA?

  • You’ll keep access to your Elon accounts (email and OnTrack).
  • You can register for future classes and take part in housing selection.
  • You cannot:
    • Hold student employment
    • Access Student Health or Counseling Services (including virtual)
    • Use Campus Recreation & Wellness facilities
    • Participate in student clubs or organizations

Why might a student take a PLOA?

Students choose a PLOA for many reasons—such as a desire to travel, participate in a non-academic program, campaign, complete a paid or unpaid internship, attend to a family crisis, or gain a sense of direction. No medical documentation is required to request a personal leave.

If you do not enroll in courses or officially request a leave, you’ll be withdrawn from Elon and lose access to your accounts. Taking a PLOA protects your student status and keeps your Elon connection active.

What are the academic implications of taking a PLOA?

The personal leave of absence policy follows the standard academic process for course add/drop and withdrawal.

  • Before drop/add deadline → classes are dropped, no transcript notation.
  • After drop/add but before withdrawal deadline → grades of “W” (no impact on GPA).
  • A leave may delay your graduation timeline.
  • You may take courses at another institution while on leave—check with your academic advisor or the Academic Advising Center about transfer credit.

Things to Consider Before Requesting a PLOA

Students considering a leave of absence should weigh a number of factors when deciding whether a PLOA is appropriate for their specific situation. The following is a short list of considerations to be weighed:

  • Financial Aid → Taking a leave can affect eligibility. Check with the Office of Financial Aid.
  • University Housing → Students on leave must check out of campus housing. Your meal plan and swipe access end once your leave is approved.
  • Study Abroad / Study USA → Enrollment requirements may affect your eligibility. Contact the Global Education Center if you’re planning a program.

How to Request a PLOA

Complete the Request for Personal Leave of Absence Form for your request to be considered.

  • Deadline → Requests must be submitted by the course withdrawal deadline (see the academic calendar). Email or verbal requests are not accepted.
  • Housing → If you live on campus, you must check out before your leave can be processed. Students withdrawing mid-term must move out within 72 hours of request submission.
  • Return Term → You’ll indicate when you plan to return on the application. If that changes, email the Dean of Students Office (deanofstudents@elon.edu).

Common Questions

Can I retake the classes I received Ws in because of the PLOA?

In most cases, a student may repeat classes attempted during a semester where a leave of absence is taken. For details related to repeat classes, see the Academic Advising website.

Will I get a refund? 

You might be eligible for a partial refund of tuition and housing/room & board depending on when your leave starts. For details, contact Student Financial Services at 336-278-5300.

Can I hold my housing for next year?

If you take a leave during the spring and plan to come back in the fall, you can request to hold your housing. If your leave is during the fall and you plan to return in the spring, you can request to keep your current housing contract (and keep paying your room rate).

You can make this request through the PLOA application form. Heads up: Your housing will be released if you don’t submit your return form at least 30 days before you come back.

Can a parent or family member submit the application on my behalf?

No — the application must be submitted by you using your Elon credentials. Elon University supports student agency, so students are responsible for decisions about their own academic progress.